US carries out strikes on Iranian targets for ninth consecutive night
The US military has conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets for the ninth straight night, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continues to retaliate against US allies in the region.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces have carried out strikes on various targets in Iran for the ninth consecutive night since hostilities resumed. The strikes targeted military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, naval forces, missile and drone launch sites, and communication networks. CENTCOM stated that the goal is to further reduce Iran's capability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media reported explosions in several parts of the country. Blasts were heard in the northern city of Tabriz, the port city of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman, Konarak in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, as well as Mahshahr and Bandar Homeini in Khuzestan province.
Tehran continues retaliatory attacks against countries hosting US military bases. Kuwait announced that its air defense systems intercepted drones launched from Iran. Air raid sirens also sounded in Bahrain, another US ally with American military presence, according to the country's Interior Ministry.
The escalation has heightened risks for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Monday morning that a vessel was on fire in the strait. The cause of the fire remains unclear.
The US and Iran resumed hostilities on July 12, effectively breaking the ceasefire reached in April. The fighting is primarily concentrated around the Strait of Hormuz.
